1. Work Environment  – Sometimes, even when we’re mentally ready, sitting down to work feels impossible. Ideas just don’t flow, and we don’t know where to start. We might have plans and to-do lists, but still, that blank feeling can take over and often, our environment plays a bigger role than we realize.

Even if you’ve created a cozy little workspace, your own desk, thoughtfully placed and decorated, it can still feel uninspiring if the place around you isn’t peaceful or comfortable.

From my own experience, having neighbors who blast loud music almost every day makes it really hard to focus. The noise seeps into my home and my workspace. To cope, I put on headphones just to block it out. But even then, the fact that I have to do that means I’m already distracted. There’s a big difference between working in a calm, quiet space and constantly fighting interruptions.

That discomfort can create a sense of urgency. An urge to rush through your tasks just to get out of that place. But here’s the truth: when your environment feels limiting, it’s natural to hesitate.

I know change doesn’t happen overnight. But little by little, by staying aware and determined, I’m learning to tune out distractions, focus on what matters, and keep moving forward. Every small step I take, even in a less-than-ideal environment, brings me closer to the future I want to build.

2. Digital Interruptions – This is a common experience. When tomorrow finally comes, you’re sure this is the day you’ll start. But as soon as you wake up, the first thing you do is pick up your phone. You see the notifications, open the screen, and before you know it, you’re scrolling endlessly, still lying in bed.

Even when you become aware and try to stop, you go about your day only to find yourself picking up your phone again and again, often without any real reason. You just open your most-used app, and the cycle begins… and continues.

I’ve managed to put my phone down for five months now and haven’t posted any life updates on Facebook since. I can honestly say it has saved me so much time and energy, time I now use to focus on my goals.

3. Daily Obligations – We all have tasks and responsibilities aside from doing what we love. Of course, this may not apply to those who have personal assistants or a team to help so they’re able to focus more fully on their passions. But for people like me, who do most things on their own, it’s a real challenge.

This is especially true for hands-on moms who are deeply involved in caring for their children like bathing them, changing their clothes, cooking every meal, and managing all the household chores. It can feel overwhelming at times, but it’s also a choice made out of love.

We all have different circumstances, but many of us share the experience of trying to balance daily duties with creative dreams. The key is to keep showing up for both with grace, patience, and the belief that little by little, we can still build the life we imagine.

4. Production Tools – Seeing creators with high-end equipment can sometimes make you want to give up on your own plans. It’s easy to think they’re producing amazing content because they have the latest cameras, microphones, software, and tools. And when you realize you can’t afford even one of those things, it can be discouraging.

I don’t have a professional camera. Since I left my job in the corporate world, the only major investment I’ve made was a desktop computer which I use to practice digital skills like photo editing, manipulation, graphic design, and digital art while being a stay-at-home mom. I take photos and videos using my phone, and I’ve realized that I can still create, even without expensive equipment.

The value of what we create isn’t measured by the tools we use, but by how we use what we have—and whether it comes from the heart. As long as we keep creating, we can always work on upgrading later. What matters most is starting with what’s in our hands today.

5. Fear and Overthinking – We all carry a fear of the unknown. Fear that what we create won’t be good enough. That what-if no one will like or show interest in what we share. Fear of being laughed at and sometimes, simply fear of showing up at all.

What I’ve learned is that most people don’t actually care as much as we think they do. This understanding is what inspired the creation of Bend Garden. By embracing individuality, we find freedom. Even if critics, negative comments, or judgments come our way, in the end, people will move on and eventually forget.

The best part is knowing that you gave your best. You remain untouched by judgment, but gain valuable lessons from the experience. We should allow ourselves to start imperfectly and grow from there. And above all, never forget to keep trying.

6. Limited Time – One of the biggest challenges we face is believing we have plenty of time. Because of this, we often delay starting, telling ourselves we’ll do it later or tomorrow. Even when we have two or four hours set aside, we convince ourselves it’s never enough to accomplish a meaningful task.

But here’s the truth, when we truly commit, time expands to fit our determination. I once read that if a person has a whole day to finish something, it will take all day. Yet if they only have two hours, they will find a way to finish it within that time. The key is to stop waiting for the “perfect moment” and start now, because progress begins the moment you take action.

7. Establishing a Niche – The concept of choosing a niche can be challenging, especially for those of us with many hobbies and interests. In today’s fast-paced digital world, there’s a lot of pressure to focus on just one thing, which can leave us feeling torn between multiple options or sometimes stuck and unable to choose at all.

For me, I’ve always been a low-key hobbyist with a wide range of interests. Since I started drawing, I wanted to focus on that, but I hesitate to call myself an artist because I didn’t attend formal art school and there are so many talented artists out there. I don’t call myself a writer either, since I’m not confident in my English, even though what I write comes straight from my heart. I’ve also wanted to explore crafting, clay making, sewing, interior design, music, and more.

Honestly, I struggle to pick just one niche, I want to do it all. Whether that’s a problem or not, I’m still figuring it out. What helps me is to start by experimenting with different interests and paying attention to which ones bring me the most joy and motivation over time. Focusing on what feels most natural and sustainable, rather than forcing myself to fit into one category, has made the process less overwhelming. Hopefully, with patience and openness, I’ll find a way to bring everything together in a way that works for me.

8. Courage – I have always wanted to blog, ever since I began working full-time, long before I met my partner and had children. It took me more than 10 years to finally find the courage to do it.

When I was pregnant with my first child, I already had a good understanding of how digital platforms work and how people could create content and even earn income online. Back then, around 2010 to 2012, this was still emerging, not as widespread as it is today. I was curious, eager to learn, and full of ideas about creating and sharing content across different platforms.

I remember that back then, it was trendy to make song covers, even simple, unpolished videos of playing guitar and singing could attract a lot of views on YouTube. I play guitar and sing, though not professionally, but still, I lacked the confidence to start because I thought if it wasn’t perfect, it wasn’t worth sharing.

Years went by as I worked in a corporate setting, met my partner, and started a family. That idea stayed with me, quietly waiting for the right moment to come alive.

And finally, after more than a decade, I finally found the courage to launch my website, begin my blog, and to pursue my art with intention.

If there’s one thing I’ve learned, it’s that courage doesn’t mean being perfect, it means starting despite the imperfections. And sometimes, that’s all it takes to begin the journey.